Last week, NFL Network draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah had a pre-Combine conference call with Detroit media last Thursday. One of the headlines that came out of that was his endorsement of the Lions pursuing Myles Garrett, but when it comes down to it draft prospects and Jeremiah's analysis on that level would carry the day.
The Lions generally prescribe to a "the more you can do" idea when it comes to filling out a roster, and when they deviate from that in deference to one thing someone can do it rarely works out (see James Houston).
Jeremiah was asked about prospects who are position versatile and could appeal to the Lions. He brought up three names, and as expected he went into good detail.
Daniel Jeremiah offers three 'Swiss Army knife' draft prospects the Lions may like
First up for Jeremiah was Ole Miss defensive tackle J.J. Pegues (h/t to SI.com).
"Defensively, I mentioned Pegues and all the different things he can do. He’s someone who, on the defensive side of the ball, is a defensive tackle who every now and then will kick out and just be a big, massive edge rusher. But then on offense, he’s a wildcat quarterback, he’s an H-back, he’s a wing, he runs the ball. That’s one of the more fun, versatile pieces in this year’s draft."
Pegues had seven rushing touchdowns for Ole Miss last season. There's just not a whole lot else to add to that. The Lions have been open to using Alim McNeill as a fullback, while Penei Sewell has been used as a pass catcher and he took a snap at quarterback last season.
I know it’s a loaded RB class but sometimes I think we don’t talk enough the fact that Ole Miss DT JJ Pegues is 6-2, 325 pounds and rushed for 7 touchdowns last season. Weapon pic.twitter.com/xx5IgFLPKK
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) February 4, 2025
The next player Jeremiah talked about was USC running back Woody Marks.
"When I look at a weapon offensively, if you’re gonna go down the line in the draft, there’s a fun one in Woody Marks out of USC as someone who can really catch the ball out of the backfield. He’s got a ton of production going back to Mississippi State. He’s someone that I think can can be a little bit of a mismatch player there with what he can do, a couple different things for him.”
The Lions obviously don't really have a need at running back, but Marks' all-around production (more than 45 receptions in four of five college seasons at Mississippi State and USC) is interesting. Russell Brown of Lions Wire has some clips of Marks on his Twitter feed.
Last but not least for Jeremiah was North Carolina offensive lineman Willie Lampkin, who was not invited to this week's NFL Combine.
"Well, one of the guys that I’m so fascinated about in the draft, he’s not going to the Combine which I was bummed about, but Willie Lampkin, from North Carolina. He’s a wrestler, he’s 5-10 and a half, 270-pound center who, you just look at him on paper and maybe watch him warm up and you’re like, ‘There’s no way this guy can physically hold up.’ But he does, he plays with leverage and strength and power. He’s a good football player. Did not get invited to the Combine. I was bummed because I wanted to see him work out as a tight end. I wouldn’t mind seeing him workout as a defensive tackle. I wouldn’t mind seeing him workout as a fullback.....I don’t know exactly what his role’s gonna be at the next level, but he’s a fun player.”
As Jeremiah mentioned, Lampkin is very undersized for an offensive lineman (5-foot-10, 270 pounds). He made the cut for the Lions in the sixth round of our post-Super Bowl mock draft, as a player who seems to fit all the intangible qualities they love. A versatile, possibly two-way role might be his path to an NFL career.
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